Arsenal’s form has resembled a game of snakes and ladders this season. The
same team who take a giant stride forward with victory over Bayern Munich
can slip to dismal defeat against much lesser lights in domestic cup
competitions. The view reached of their standing in the game often shifts
erratically either side of half-time.

They can overrun Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for large spells, yet there is
no surprise when they shoot themselves in the foot, so beating Reading,
second from bottom, at home today is no foregone conclusion at the start of
a run-in when only consistency will